Forest Grove Middle

⭐ Aerla Kodra, 8th Grade Scholar at Forest Grove Middle School ⭐ “Aerla participated in a Lions Club Peace Poster Contest back in November. Since then her artwork won at both the district and state levels in competition with hundreds of other student's artwork. Her painting is now moving on to the International level of judging. There will be approximately 200 posters competing at the International level and a final Peace Poster winner will be chosen in April. We are wishing her the best in this exciting endeavor! Aerla’s talent, integrity, and determination is an inspiration to others! She exemplifies the qualities of a WPS scholar that we all should be proud of.” This work demonstrates that Aerla is a Curious Learner. Aerla discovered and explored their strengths, interests and talent while further connecting with their passion for art. (CL. 3) ⭐ Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for students and staff who have gone above and beyond to feature on our social media channels. 👉 Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/4g5M2aW 👉 Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/3Mlru0N

🍽️✨ Look What’s Coming Back on February's Menu! Say hello to Chicken and Veggie Dumplings with Soy Sauce, paired with a tasty Edamame Salad and a sweet Fortune Cookie! 😋 This delicious combo will be back on the February menu – don’t miss it! 🌱🍜

🚗 Become an Automotive Instructor - Chapter 74🚗 Worcester Technical High School is seeking a skilled Automotive Instructor! Join our team and inspire the next generation of automotive professionals. Visit the link here to apply: https://buff.ly/4h9YTcD

Worcester Public Library Hosts Book Drive for WPS Educators 📚 Thank you to our friends at the Worcester Public Library for hosting an amazing book drive! Over 12,000 books were donated to WPS K-3 grade educators, helping them build and refresh their classroom libraries. Thank you to Worcester Public Library for your continued support to literacy in our schools!

Standard Response Protocol and Reunification Training with The I Love U Guys Foundation 🦺 Worcester Public Schools administrators recently participated in intensive safety training led by The I Love U Guys Foundation. It was the second large-scale staff training since the summer. The two-day session, held at Worcester State University, focused on ensuring our staff are fully prepared to reunite students with their families in the case of a school evacuation. WPS takes a proactive approach to ensuring safety and positive school climates. The district operates from the I Love U Guys safety framework with clear protocols, procedures, and a common language to ensure a systematic and organized response to any situation. Special thanks to Jim French of The I Love U Guys Foundation for leading this hands-on training with our staff! 🔗 Learn more about WPS’s safety protocols: https://www.worcesterschools.org/page/safety

⭐ Justine Gould, Cafeteria Manager at Forest Grove Middle School ⭐ “Justine is an amazing kitchen manager who brings both skill and heart to everything she does, keeping the kitchen running smoothly and efficiently. She’s great at creating a supportive and motivated team atmosphere, encouraging everyone to do their best. Justine has a sharp eye for detail. She makes sure the food is always top-notch, safety standards are met, and waste is kept to a minimum. Justine’s friendly nature and strong organizational skills make her a true asset, keeping things running like clockwork and making everyone’s day better.” ⭐ Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for students and staff who have gone above and beyond to feature on our social media channels. 👉 Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/4g5M2aW 👉 Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/3Mlru0N

🔥 Get Ready to Savor the Flavor! 🔥 Have you tried the new Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich yet? Served with crispy Sweet Potato Fries, it’s bold, fresh, and bursting with flavor! 🥪🍟 🌟 Exciting New Items Coming Next Week: 🥖 Chicken Philly Sandwich with crispy Baked Fries – a satisfying, savory delight! 🥗 Taco Salad Bowl – choose between Beef or Plant-Based Meat, packed with all the taco goodness you love in one tasty bowl! Check out what’s on the menu and try something new today! View the full menu at https://buff.ly/47lkI4R Let us know which dish you’re most excited to try! 👇

📚✨ Attendance Matters! 🏫 January has 19 school days — let’s make every day count! 🙌 Consistent attendance keeps students on track, boosts academic success, and builds lifelong habits. 📝💪 Together, we can show up, learn, and thrive! 🎓🌟 For more tips on maintaining good attendance, visit: https://buff.ly/4h75OTc

🏫 School Enrollment Begins Soon! 🎒If you are enrolling your child in the Worcester Public Schools for the 2025-26 school year, registration opens on January 2, 2025. The Parent Information Center will begin scheduling appointments on January 6, 2025. Visit the WPS Enrollment website for details: worcesterschools.org/enrollment

🏫 School Enrollment Begins Soon! 🎒If you are enrolling your child in the Worcester Public Schools for the 2025-26 school year, registration opens on January 2, 2025. The Parent Information Center will begin scheduling appointments on January 6, 2025. Visit the WPS Enrollment website for details: worcesterschools.org/enrollment

🎄✨ Festival of Lights Sparkled in Worcester! ✨🎄 Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Festival of Lights on Worcester Common! A special shoutout to our WPS scholars, including performers from Burncoat High Quadrivium Chorus, Midland Street Elementary, North High School, and South High School, for making the evening unforgettable. Your talents lit up the night and made the evening unforgettable! 🌟 Stay tuned for more events celebrating the season. 🎶❄️

📢 Help Shape WPS Core Values! The Worcester Public Schools are developing core values to guide our actions, culture, and decision-making. These values are the foundation of our community, and we need your input! 👉 Participate by January 15, 2025—your voice matters! Help define the values that will shape our Strategic Plan, to be announced in Spring 2025. Join now: https://buff.ly/3D9RCu1

🌟 Friendly Faces of Forest Grove Middle School 😊 We recently had the opportunity to visit Forest Grove Middle School in the Doherty Quadrant of Worcester Public Schools to see our incredible students in action! 🌈📚 Forest Grove has been a cornerstone of the Worcester community since it opened its doors in March 1960. 🏫 Back then, the building spanned 114,540 square feet, served around 600 students, and had a dedicated staff of 53. With a Woodworking Shop, Home Economics classes, and leaders like Principal Harry Foxhall and Superintendent Dr. Leo Doherty, Forest Grove was built to inspire and empower its students. 💡✏️ Fast forward to today, Forest Grove continues to grow and thrive! 🚀 After a major renovation and expansion in 1999-2000, the school added 12 new classrooms and an elevator, further enhancing the learning environment. 🛠️🎨 Now serving 835 students with a talented team of approximately 140 staff members—including teachers, administrators, instructional aides, clerical staff, custodians, cafeteria workers, and therapists—Forest Grove is a vibrant hub of activity and learning. 🎓👩‍🏫 Here’s a closer look at what Forest Grove offers: 📖 Core Subjects: English, Math, Science, AVID/Literacy/Numeracy 🎶 Electives: Art, Music, Physical Education, Social Studies 🌟 Advanced Courses: Enrichments or Foreign Language 💙 Support Services: Special Education, Tutoring, Counseling At Forest Grove, we honor our rich history while embracing a bright future. 🌟✨ With a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, our school provides the resources and opportunities for students to thrive academically, socially, and creatively. 🎨🤝 Let’s take a moment to recognize the students, staff, and programs that make Forest Grove a valuable part of Worcester Public Schools. 🎉👏

🦃 ✨ Wishing our students, families, and staff a joyful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, reflection, and appreciation for the diverse traditions, histories, and cultures that enrich our communities.🍁 We are thankful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and support one another. May everyone have a restful and enjoyable break! 💛

More than 50 staff and community partners were celebrated at Worcester Public Schools Evening of Innovation! It was a great night to honor the incredible staff and community partners who make a difference every day. View the complete list of honorees: https://buff.ly/3OhAvcb

Quarter 1 honor roll listings for the 2024-25 school year are now posted! 🏆 Congratulations to the many scholars who are being acknowledged for their academic achievements. Find your scholar here 👉 https://buff.ly/4fS3XRL

Thank You Veterans for Your Service!🫡 Veterans Day honors military veterans for their service and sacrifice. It’s a day to show appreciation for those who have served to protect our country. Click here to learn more about the significance of Veterans Day and how you can honor those who served: https://buff.ly/3IOnULk

🌟 Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly at Forest Grove Middle School 🌟 The Third Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly at Forest Grove Middle School was a great success with the entire school community coming together to celebrate Hispanic culture. The event featured a keynote speech from Quinsigamond Community College President Dr. Luis Pedraj who spoke about the power of education, taking pride in one's Hispanic heritage and the importance of believing in yourself. There was also tons of student talent on display! The school's orchestra band performed a rendition of "La Bamba". Students also recited poems titled "Somos Herencia" and "Hispanic Heritage Month", written by foreign language teacher Mrs. Rivas. Worcester's Poet Laureate Serenity Jackson aka Lil' Rennie made a guest appearance and got the crowd moving. Jackson returned to Forest Grove, where she was once a student herself, to perform a couple original songs. 🎶🔥 Take a look at some images from a fantastic assembly! 📸

📚✨ Attendance Matters! 🏫 November has 16 school days — let’s make each one count! 🙌 Consistent attendance helps students stay on track, succeed academically, and build great habits. 📝💪 Let’s show up, learn, and thrive together! 🎓🌟

✨ Staff Development Day Highlights! ✨ Today, hundreds of dedicated educators from Worcester Public Schools came together for a day of professional development. Through interactive workshops and teamwork, they focused on enhancing their skills to better support our WPS scholars. Pictured here are some of the Highlights: Special Education Session: Collaboratively developed IEPs with guidance from Special Education staff and Evaluation Team Chairs. Nutrition Team Trainings: The day started with Project Bread chef Sherri presenting a shawarma seasoning blend recipe and a shawarma rice bowl concept. The Burncoat quadrant held a managers meeting, while team members participated in ServSafe classes, CPR/Choke training, and a Managers 101 session for staff with less than 90 days on the job. 👏 A heartfelt thank you to all staff for your dedication to excellence and student achievement!